Most of today’s waterproofing is done by systems companies. System companies may claim to offer different methods, but they will always guide you to their method, which is generally an indoor water control system. This one-size-fits-all approach to basement waterproofing benefits the waterproofing company more often than the customer. I can’t think of any other industry that predominantly uses a systems approach rather than a problem-solving approach.

Its remnants are basically two options available to fix wet basement problems. Indoor or outdoor. Interior work uses drainage inside your basement to control incoming water and direct it to a sump pump. This method should never be called waterproofing, but rather water control. Water control systems allow water in to pump it back. Waterproofing is accomplished solely by excavating the exterior to the bottom of the foundation, installing adequate drainage, and treating the walls to prevent water from entering. Let it in and pump it out, or keep it out all together. This is the main difference between waterproofing vs. water control.

Which method is best for your foundation? The overwhelming consensus among professionals outside the industry, structural engineers, local building department officials, etc. Waterproofing is always the best option. So why are so many companies in this industry proposing water control approaches? The answer is because it is all they do. Water control systems are relatively easy to install. It requires very little equipment or supplies. It’s fast and requires minimal job skills. Water control systems have their place, however if you are concerned about wet spots, cracks, or wall shifting, water control systems can make your problem worse.

When evaluating your specific situation, take a problem-solving approach rather than a systems approach. An honest foundation expert will examine your basement or crawl space to determine the cause of your problem, in order to offer a solution, specific to your needs. The salesperson of a systems company ultimately does not care about the cause of their problem because the solution they will present is the same for everyone. You should be aware that a growing number of water control companies are beginning to propose some outside work, such as shallow external drainage systems or exploration trenches. This outside work benefits the customer very little and allows the system company to appear different and increase its price. Excavation outside is only effective if you dig to the bottom of the foundation.

Don’t be fooled by the discount that will be offered to you if you sign the contract today. Sign Now discounts are just a sales tool for you to sign on the spot. Don’t make a decision the same day, sleep with it. If you feel pressured, show the door to the salesperson. Compare prices, do some research, take your time.

Lastly, always research a Better Business Bureau report of companies. Check with your state Attorney General’s Office for a list of complaints. Angies’ list is a good source for finding a good contractor. Remember that the size of a company has absolutely no relation to the reliability or competence of the company.

Thanks,

Steve Allen